The Archdiocese of Seattle requires all couples preparing for a Catholic marriage to participate in a marriage preparation program. At Holy Rosary, your preparation consists of a series of meetings with the Pastor and Pastoral Assistant for Marriage, as well as attending a marriage preparation workshop.

Initial Meeting with the Pastor Preparation begins by meeting with the Pastor at least nine months in advance of the intended wedding date to talk about the marriage preparation requirements and process. No reservations should be made for a reception location until after this meeting.

2nd Meeting with the Pastoral Assistant for Marriage Time to set the date and time! In addition, you will complete the required Archdiocesan forms, go over the marriage preparation options, be given instructions for your FOCCUS Inventory, and have all of your questions answered.

Certificate of Baptism These must be newly-issued for the Catholic party(ies)—not a photocopy of an original. It must be issued no more than six months before the intended wedding date. Please arrange to have these mailed directly to Holy Rosary (4136 42nd Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116).

Declaration of Freedom to Marry (for previous marriages of either party) Any previous marriage may require the completion of appropriate forms or a Declaration of Nullity (church annulment). Please advise the pastor immediately of any previous marriages by either party, regardless of where or when they were celebrated. Holy Rosary is forbidden to set a wedding date before any annulment proceeding is completed.

Certificate from your Marriage Preparation ClassesThe Engaged Encounter Weekend, extending from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, is held at a local retreat house. Because it is a full weekend program, it affords greater opportunity for sharing, reflection, and gathering a view of married life that can extend beyond the wedding day. You should plan to attend an Engaged Encounter weekend soon after you have had your first meeting. Reserve your weekend early as they fill up quickly! Visit www.ceeseattle.org for dates and to register.

Washington State law requires a 3-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid. This means that you must wait at least three full days after the application is filed before the marriage ceremony can be performed. The license is valid for only 60 days. The marriage ceremony must be performed before the 60-day expiration of the license. Please plan to turn in your marriage license to the Pastoral Asst for Marriage a week prior to your ceremony.

Applications in Person: Both bride and groom must be present to complete the application, and the license will be issued at that time. The license cannot be used, however, until the 3-day waiting period has expired. The Marriage license application fee is $67 per couple.

Applications by Mail: Applications by mail are processed at the downtown Seattle office only. Send completed and notarized application along with money order or cashier's check made payable to King County Marriage Licenses. The license will not be mailed; it will need to be picked up from the downtown Seattle office.

Receive a copy of the application form via fax by calling (206) 296-3933 ext. 21, or download from the King County Website: www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage. For general questions regarding marriage licensing call (206) 296-4021.

Please turn in the license to the Parish Office two weeks prior to the wedding.

With the permission of the Pastor of Holy Rosary, a couple who currently lives out of town can arrange to complete their marriage preparation at a Catholic parish near them. The couple still needs to meet once with the Pastor of Holy Rosary, preferably as soon as possible after setting the marriage date. The couple should have the parish handling their marriage preparation send a letter to Holy Rosary that confirms their preparation arrangements. This letter is due one month after setting the date to confirm the wedding. When the marriage preparation is complete, the marriage file will be sent to Holy Rosary.